Central Coast Council will undertake an investigation into traffic and pedestrian safety outside Copacabana Primary School within the next six months.
It was decided unanimously at Council’s August meeting with a Motion from Councillor Jared Wright, following extended consultation with the community, alongside fellow ward councillor Sharon Walsh.
Local residents also launched a petition which was supported by the school community, which now has more than 650 signatures.
Wright said that as part of the review, Council would investigate improvements to parking signage, the practicality of current bus zones, the provision of pedestrian crossings and the broader view to add a footpath along Pueblo St.
“Copacabana Primary School has almost 300 students, with children walking from all parts of the suburb into the school each morning,” he said.
“While this is a longstanding issue spanning decades, I am committed to acting to help ensure that we can keep students safe and this must be a priority for Council.”
Council will also identify and prepare nominations for grant funding under the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program, with applications expected to open in October for projects in the 2026–27 financial year.
“We are about to start working on an overarching Walking and Cycling Strategy for the Central Coast in coming months and I want to ensure that this project is prioritised within the strategy,” Wright said.
“We do not want to wait for an accident to happen to take action, we need to be forward looking.”
President of the Copacabana Primary School P&C Rachel McMahon welcomed Council’s commitment to working closely with the school community.
“We are pleased to see Council taking these concerns seriously and committing to consult with the school, parents and the Department of Education as part of the process,” she said.
“As the P&C, our priority is making sure that children can arrive and leave school safely each day.
“The entire Copacabana community has banded together in support of this important issue and I want to thank the more than 650 people who have signed our petition.
“This is only the start of the journey and we will continue to work with Councillor Wright and the broader Council on ensuring that these safety measures are introduced.”
Community consultation will be undertaken later this year as part of Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategy, providing parents, carers, residents and other stakeholders with the opportunity to give feedback on ways to improve pedestrian safety around the school.
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